Home / Crime and Justice / Basildon Man Fined for Painting Crosses, Racial Abuse
Basildon Man Fined for Painting Crosses, Racial Abuse
14 Jan
Summary
- Man fined over £2,800 for criminal damage and racial harassment.
- St George's crosses were painted on homes off Whitmore Way.
- Racial slurs were heard as a woman in a headscarf passed by.
Alex Jones, a 34-year-old man from Basildon, has been ordered to pay £2,854 in compensation and a further £80 fine after admitting to criminal damage and racially or religiously aggravated harassment. The offenses stemmed from an incident on August 22, when St George's crosses were painted on properties off Whitmore Way.
The court heard that the crosses were applied above various businesses, including an Indian restaurant and a Chinese takeaway. During the incident, racial slurs were audibly directed towards a woman wearing a headscarf as she walked past with a child. Videos of the event circulated widely on social media.
Essex Police investigated multiple reports concerning the footage. A police spokesperson condemned the damage to property and the disgraceful language used. A second man involved accepted a caution for his role in the incident. The court hearing took place on Thursday at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.
